Massey University’s veterinary expertise and equestrian facilities will be on display when Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visits the Manawatu, New Zealand, campus on Thursday (Nov. 15) afternoon. The royal visit is part of Prince Charles and Camilla’s Pacific tour, celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

Deputy Vice Chancellor and College of Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor Robert Anderson, ONZM, MAgrSc, PhD, DDA, along with University Chancellor Russell Ballard, CNZM BAgrSc MAgrSc PhD, FNZIM, and Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor, will welcome her.

Anderson says the Duchess’ visit reflects her particular interest in animal welfare, and highlights Massey’s strengths in areas of equine research, veterinary teaching, animal health, and specialist wildlife rehabilitation. "I have no doubt she will be impressed by the leading edge work we are doing in teaching and research particularly with New Zealand wildlife and horses," he said.

Institute of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences head Frazer Allan, BVSc, MACVSc, PhD, PGDip BusAdmin(Dist), will lead a tour of Massey’s veterinary teaching hospital–New Zealand’s only veterinary school–where Camilla will meet staff and students working with companion animals and native wildlife